Pressurized Fluid Nozzle Ablation for Uranium Ore Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for recovering uranium from low-grade ores are environmentally and operationally challenging, requiring reagents that can contaminate aquifers and are not feasible for impermeable or shallow formations, and often involve processing large quantities of low-concentration material that is economically unrecoverable.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that uses a pressurized fluid and adjustable nozzles to ablate heterogeneous materials, separating them into distinct fractions by impacting the material streams to physically dissociate and classify particles, reducing the amount of material needing further processing and allowing for the recovery of uranium without chemical reagents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If chemical reagents are used to separate uranium from ore, then separation efficiency is improved, but environmental contamination and operational challenges worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidenvironmental contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical separation methods with a mechanical ablation system. Pressurized fluid streams are directed through nozzles to physically impact and separate uranium-bearing particles from non-bearing material based on density differences, eliminating the need for harmful chemical reagents while maintaining effective separation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses pressurized fluid (air or gas) delivered through nozzles to create impact streams that physically separate particles. The hydraulic/pneumatic force of the pressurized fluid enables mechanical ablation and density-based separation without chemical reagents, addressing both separation efficiency and environmental concerns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Quantity of substance

If large quantities of low-concentration material are processed, then uranium recovery is achieved, but economic viability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuranium recoveryVSAvoideconomic viability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the physical state and concentration parameters of the material during processing. By ablatively separating and concentrating uranium-bearing particles into distinct fractions, the system transforms low-concentration feedstock into high-concentration product streams, enabling economic recovery without processing excessive quantities of dilute material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If conventional processing methods are used, then material separation is achieved, but device complexity and operational difficulty worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial separationVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the processing system into distinct functional components: pressurized fluid delivery through nozzles, impact zones for ablation, and separation sections for fraction collection. This modular segmentation simplifies operational complexity while achieving effective material separation through coordinated action of individual components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach effectively separates uranium-bearing fractions from non-bearing fractions, reducing the volume of material to be processed and minimizing environmental impact, making uranium recovery more economically viable and environmentally friendly.

Implementation Method 1

passing the fluid stream through at least one adjustable nozzle, impacting the fluid stream to ablate the heterogeneous particles of the material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAblation: Ablation

Implementation Method 2

impacting the fluid stream to ablate the heterogeneous particles of the material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Implementation Method 3

classifying the heterogeneous particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical separation:

Data Source

PatentUS9815066B2Methods for processing heterogeneous materials

Publication Date: 2017.11.14 DISA TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A method of processing a heterogeneous material includes entraining heterogeneous particles into a fluid stream. Each of the heterogeneous particles comprises a liquid portion and a solid portion. The fluid stream is passed through at least one adjustable nozzle, and is impacted to dissociate the liquid from the solid. A method of separating oil from solid particles includes mixing oil-coated solid particles with water to form a slurry, passing a first portion of the slurry through a first nozzle, and passing a second portion of the slurry through a second nozzle such that the second portion of the slurry intersects the first portion of the slurry to separate the oil from the particles.